If you are a foreign resident living and working in Japan, understanding your tax file number and tax identification requirements is one of the most important steps you can take to stay legally compliant and avoid headaches later. The process can feel confusing at first — especially when paperwork is in Japanese — but this guide walks you through everything clearly, from zero.
Does Japan Have a "Tax File Number" Like Other Countries?
If you have come from Australia, the UK, or another country, you may be used to having a dedicated "Tax File Number" (TFN) or similar identifier. Japan works slightly differently. Instead of a separate tax file number, Japan uses a system called the My Number (マイナンバー) system — a 12-digit individual identification number assigned to every resident registered in Japan, including foreign nationals.
Your My Number serves as your tax identification number in Japan. It is used for tax reporting, social insurance, and other administrative purposes. When people search for a "tax file number for foreigners in Japan," My Number is what they are looking for.
What Is My Number and Why Does It Matter?
My Number (officially called the Individual Number) was introduced in 2016. Every person registered as a resident in Japan — Japanese citizen or foreign national — receives one. It does not change throughout your life in Japan.
Here is what your My Number is used for:
- Filing your annual income tax return (確定申告, kakutei shinkoku)
- Employment tax paperwork — your employer will ask for it
- Social insurance (health insurance, pension)
- Opening certain bank accounts
- Some financial transactions, including overseas remittances above certain thresholds
In short, once you start working in Japan, you will need your My Number. Keeping it safe and not sharing it unnecessarily is important — treat it like a national ID number.
How to Get Your My Number as a Foreign Resident
The good news is that you do not need to apply for My Number separately. It is issued automatically once you complete residence registration in Japan.
Step 1: Register Your Address at the City Office (Ward Office)
When you arrive in Japan on a medium- to long-term visa (such as a work visa, student visa, or spouse visa), you must register your address at your local city hall or ward office (市区町村役場, shikuchoson yakuba) within 14 days of moving in. This is called jūmin tōroku (住民登録), or resident registration.
What to bring:
- Your passport
- Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
- Your address in Japan (your landlord or real estate agent can provide this)
Step 2: Receive Your My Number Notification
After registering, the municipal office will send a My Number notification letter to your registered address by postal mail. This usually arrives within one to two weeks. The letter contains your 12-digit My Number.
Keep this letter in a safe place. It is not the same as a My Number Card (explained below), but it confirms your number.
Step 3 (Optional but Recommended): Apply for a My Number Card
The notification letter proves your number, but getting the My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) is highly recommended. It is a physical ID card that combines your photo ID with your My Number and is increasingly required for administrative tasks, tax filing online, and certain financial services.
You can apply at your city hall or online via the QR code on your notification letter. The card is free of charge. Processing typically takes a few weeks. Bring your notification letter and passport when collecting it.
Tax Registration at the Tax Office (Zeimusho)
The Japanese word zeimusho (税務署) means "tax office" — specifically, the National Tax Agency's local branch. You will deal with the zeimusho primarily when filing your annual tax return.
Most employees in Japan do not need to register separately at the zeimusho. Your employer handles monthly tax withholding (gensen chōshū) on your behalf and submits your details using your My Number. However, you will need to visit or contact your local zeimusho if:
- You are self-employed or a freelancer in Japan
- You earn income from multiple sources
- You need to file a final tax return (kakutei shinkoku) — for example, if you have significant income from overseas
- You are starting a business and need to submit an opening notification (kaigyo todokede)
To find your nearest zeimusho, visit the National Tax Agency (NTA) website (nta.go.jp). The site has some English support, and many local tax offices have multilingual staff or telephone interpretation services available.
Key Tax ID Documents at a Glance
| Document | What It Is | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| My Number (notification letter) | Your 12-digit tax & resident ID number | All registered foreign residents |
| My Number Card | Physical ID card with photo and My Number | Strongly recommended for everyone |
| Residence Card (Zairyu Card) | Confirms your visa status and address | All medium/long-term visa holders |
| Withholding Tax Certificate (源泉徴収票) | Annual salary and tax summary from employer | Employees filing a tax return |
This table is a general guide. Requirements can change — always confirm the latest details with your local city hall, zeimusho, or the NTA website.
Common Questions Foreign Residents Ask
Do I need a My Number to send money overseas?
Banks and money transfer services in Japan may ask for your My Number for certain transactions or account registrations. Services like Wise, Remitly, and Japan Post Bank (Yucho) may require it depending on the amount and purpose. Check directly with your provider for their current requirements.
What if I have not received my My Number notification yet?
Contact your local city hall. If your address registration was completed correctly, they can help trace the letter or reissue it. Do not share your My Number with anyone until you have confirmed it officially.
Is my My Number the same as a tax number in my home country?
Not exactly. Japan may also require a foreign tax identification number (TIN) from your home country on certain financial and banking forms — particularly for accounts covered by the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Ask your bank if this applies to you.
Summary: Your Tax Identification Checklist as a Foreign Resident in Japan
Getting your tax identification sorted in Japan is more straightforward than it might seem. Here is a quick recap to keep you on track:
- Register your address at your local city hall within 14 days of arriving — your My Number follows automatically.
- Keep your My Number notification letter safe and apply for the My Number Card as soon as possible.
- Give your My Number to your employer — they need it for payroll tax purposes.
- Visit your local zeimusho if you are self-employed, have multiple income sources, or need to file a tax return.
- Check the NTA website (nta.go.jp) for the latest official guidance, as rules and procedures do change.
You are not alone in finding Japan's tax system unfamiliar at first. Millions of foreign residents have navigated it successfully — and with the right steps in place, you will too. Take it one step at a time, keep your documents organised, and do not hesitate to ask your city hall or zeimusho for help. Many offices have multilingual support available, and the process gets easier once you have done it the first time.